Union Installers, Cutting Equipment and More in March’s Inbox

Dogged Defense

• I’ve been wanting to lock our front door because of the strange walk-ins and because sometimes there is only one person in the front office when we are out on sales calls. Now with our new office dog, Gracie, we have to lock it as she knows how to push the door open and escapes. — Dawn Homa, Signarama Brighton, Brighton, CO

Technical Help

• Union installers vs. non-union and how small to medium businesses can compete or work with the right installers to get the projects under construction. — Myrna Orensten, Imaginality Designs, Golden Valley, MN
• I would love an article or a deeper dive into cutting equipment to compare flatbed cutters vs. CNC routers vs. laser machines, and any other options on the market. Cost differences, capability comparisons, related product offerings, etc. We are trying to expand by adding some in-house cutting ability but there are so many options! — Lauren Cassel, Fastsigns of Harrisburg, Harrisburg, PA
• Anyone using laser welding for production of channel letters and/or light boxes? How is it working and what are the pros and cons? — Kurt Stoner, Stoner Graphix, Hummelstown, PA
• Would love more stories on small family businesses: how they started, how far they have come. — Erin Rosado, His & Her Studio, Loxahatchee, FL

February Feedback

• I particularly resonated with the article called “Meet Your Markers”. Many signmakers envision crafting a sign of such note that it alone becomes a landmark and “guidepost” for people’s direction-giving! — Derek Atchley, Derek Atchley Creative, Columbus, OH
• The “Smart Frugality” strategies article was really good! — Gayle Goodman Lynch, It’s A Good Sign, Dallas
• I really liked the recent article, “Sign Priorities: Service, Consistency and Knowledge”. Specifically the statistics given in the subsection “Racing to the Bottom” about how quality signage drives sales and customer impressions. — Gary Feldmann, Express Sign & Logo, Monticello, IA
• More Brain Squad member forums. I couldn’t attend the last one. — Rocco Gaskins, Abco Signs, Pennsauken, NJ